KIRKHAM Grammar battled all the way to the final of the National School's Sevens at the weekend - but lost out on the trophy to Bristol based Colston Collegiate School.

The event at Fylde Rugby Club proved to be a major success, with 41 teams from 38 different schools, including Bear Creek of Canada, taking part.

After a first round involving seven groups, the top three from each group went into the knock-out phase while the bottom three took on the 'plate' competition.

Both Arnold and Kirkham made progress and, in the end, met in the third round. Kirkham, winners in 2001, then edged out St Bees in the semi-final and had the majority of the crowd behind them in the final.

Unfortunately, the GW Parkes trophy was comprehensively won by the Bristol side, 30-0.

Warwick beat Marlborough College in the plate final.